JP2003198775A - Method of digitizing image and method of producing image product - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for collecting and digitizing images for producing an image product. <P>SOLUTION: In the method, a service provider carries a movable image forming system from a first designated place to a second designated place, receives an image to be digitized from a user at the second designated place, scans the image for creating a digital image by using the movable image forming system at the second designated place, receives an order request concerning the digital image from the user, and provides the digital image to a performing side for performing the order request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to image processing, and more particularly to a mobile user-friendly system for receiving and storing images for subsequent printing, storage, and transmission.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In order to enjoy images captured on photographic film with a camera, a user must first process the exposed photographic film. This is typically done by the user ordering and depositing the exposed photographic film cartridge with a nearest agent, such as a drug store. At the nearest agency, the user can use the system to negotiate with the clerk or to receive undeveloped film and to deliver the printed and processed film to the customer. Such a system is described in US Pat. No. 5,652,936.
No. (Klees). This U.S. patent is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and, by reference,
Incorporated here. Alternatively, the user can operate a stand-alone photofinishing system that dispenses prints of images, such as disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,664,253 (Meyers). This U.S. patent is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and, by reference,
Incorporated here.

Sharing and storing personal photos is
It is a general hope because they bring important memories of life. Therefore, a copy of the photo (eg, view) may be needed to share memories.

Some people enjoy creating scrapbooks for sharing and storing photos. A scrapbook is a collection of scrapbook pages,
They are each the only collection of at least photographs, paper crafts and diaries, respectively. Overall, each scrapbook page or group of pages is based on a theme, and all the elements that make up the page are
It is in line with the theme. For example, a scrapbook page with the theme of "holiday" might be a picture taken during that particular holiday, a papercraft that represents the holiday,
For example, red machine paper or product die cut (die cu
It consists of Valentine's hearts cut out from t). Further, the person who creates the scrapbook page may record information about the holiday, that is, items such as who is included in the photograph on the page in a diary format. All of the scrapbook page elements are
Arranged in an attractive style that best expresses the essence of the theme. The elements are typically glued in place and the constructed scrapbook page is inserted into a scrapbook album. The purpose of creating a scrapbook page for photos that are simply placed in a standard photo album is to talk and create the only special family heirloom that will be taken care of for life. .

The scrapbook business has grown over the last few years. Today, a scrapbook specialty store,
There are specialized craft magazines and multiple websites offering online merchandise and creative tips. On the other hand, however, the format of still image photographs included in scrapbooks has not changed much over 100 years.

When creating a scrapbook page for a scrapbook album, the user may need a copy, not just to use a copy of the photo for that scrapbook page. In fact, the final scrapbook page can be thought of as a "photo" that the user needs a copy of.

Another reason for requiring copies of photographs is to share precious moments or heritage. Pictures related to this are important family pictures that the user wants to share with others in the family. For example, parents may send a copy of a photo of their child's birthday party to grandparents living in the suburbs.

[0008]

Scanners are useful for scanning photographs to convert them for digital storage, such as on a floppy disk, compact disk or memory card.
While scanners are useful for use with home personal computers, they are expensive, difficult for novice operators to use, and may not be able to provide high resolution scanning. Moreover, the cost of computers, scanners and software is substantial. In addition, images printed on a home personal computer are typically inkjet prints, with or without the desired permanent properties and qualities.

A kiosk, such as the Kodak Picture Maker from Eastman Kodak Company, is useful at retail locations to make reprints of photographs or prints of digital images. These kiosks typically have a scanner for scanning the photo and making a digital copy of the original photo. However, there are cases in which the user may not or may not be willing to bring photos into the retail store for reprinting. For example, a photo may be an important snapshot that belongs to another person who does not want to let go of the photo because of the fear that the important snapshot will be lost or damaged. Alternatively, if there were a large number of photos to be scanned, the user may be limited by the time or place to reach the kiosk. Moreover, the owner of the photo may be a novice user of an electromechanical device, and thus may not want to utilize the kiosk himself.

Therefore, there is a need to collect and reprint or provide other image products to the user.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for collecting and digitizing images for post production of an image product containing the collected photographs. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that can be implemented in a non-retail or home environment. These objectives are given merely by way of example. That is, other desirable objectives and advantages inherently realized by the disclosed invention may be brought or apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is
It is defined by the scope of the claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of digitizing an image. In the method, a service provider conveys a mobile image forming system from a first designated location to a second designated location, and the service provider
At the second designated location, the service provider receives the image to be digitized from the user, and the service provider
Scan the image using the mobile imaging system to create a digital image at a designated location in
The service provider receives an order request from the user related to the digital image, and the service provider provides the digital image to a fulfiller to fulfill the order request. It has a step called.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of digitizing an image. The method conveys a mobile image forming system from a first designated location to a second designated location, where at the second designated location, an image to be digitized is obtained and the second designated location is acquired. In-situ, the mobile imaging system is used to create a digital image, the image is scanned, and the digital image is stored in a memory mounted within the mobile imaging system, Generating a stored digitally related order request, and transporting the mobile imaging system to the first designated location for fulfilling the order request.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of collecting digitized images. The method is
The user delivers the digitized image to the service provider at a predetermined designated location, and the service provider copies the digitized image at a predetermined designated location using a mobile kiosk. Then, the service provider provides the digitized image to a performance service located at a performance place apart from the predetermined designated place.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a print from a visual image. The method transports a mobile image forming system to a first designated location, receives a visual image from a user at the first designated location, and creates a digital image at the first designated location. In order to scan the visual image using the mobile image forming system, and transport the mobile image forming system to a second designated location away from the first designated location, Providing the digital image to a performer for making a print from the digital image at a third designated location remote from the first designated location, and
The method includes the step of providing the print to the user.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of digitizing an image provided by a user, wherein at least a portion of the fee for producing the digitized image is fulfilled. The side pays the service provider. The method is for a service provider to transport a mobile imaging system to a first designated location,
The service provider scans the image using the mobile imaging system to create a digitized image and the service provider moves away from the first designated location. The digitized image is transmitted to the executor at the designated place of 2, and the executor is
Providing a credit to the service provider for some of the fees associated with creating the digitized image using the mobile imaging system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of creating an image product from an image, wherein at least a portion of the fee for creating the digitized image is provided by the sponsor. Paid to the provider. The method involves a service provider transporting a mobile imaging system from a first location to a predetermined location,
The service provider receives an image from the user at the predetermined position, and the service provider creates a digital image from the image at the predetermined position using the mobile image forming system. , The service provider provides the performer with the digital image to create an image product, and the service provider authorizes the service provider to use the mobile image forming system. This includes the step of receiving credit from the sponsor for some of the fees associated with creating the image product.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making an image product from an image. The method comprises transporting a mobile imaging system from a first designated location to a second designated location, receiving an image from a user at the second designated location, and creating a digital image as described above. The movable image forming system is used at the second designated place so as to scan an image, and the movable image forming system is conveyed to a third designated place apart from the second designated place. Then, the digital image is transmitted from the mobile image forming system to the image producing device placed at the third designated place, and the image product is produced at the third designated place. It has a step.

The present invention provides a method for collecting and digitizing images for subsequent fabrication of an image product having the collected images. The method is suitable for use in environments other than home or retail and is configured for users unfamiliar with computer systems.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same reference numeral represents the same component. The present invention relates to a mobile imaging system or kiosk that is portable and easily moved.
A mobile image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention is generally shown in FIG. The mobile image forming system 10 (hereinafter referred to as kiosk 10) is
The size is preferably small so that the user can easily carry it to various designated places. Therefore, the kiosk 10 is preferably provided in the size and proportions of a generally laptop computer, briefcase, children's lunch box. The kiosk 10 includes first and second members 12 that are operable between an open position and a closed position.
And 14.

A handle 15 is provided to assist in moving the kiosk 10 between locations. As shown in FIG. 1, the color LC is provided inside the second member 14.
A display 16 such as D is installed. The display 16 may be a touch screen display, which allows the user to provide the kiosk 10 with information and data such as an order request or the user's name. Instead, the kiosk 10
A keyboard (not shown) may be provided as an input device for providing information and data to the image production device 10.

The first and second members 14 are preferably
It is biased in one direction to stay in the open position so that the user can view the display 16. In the closed position, the latch 18 and the securing member 20 secure the first member 12 and the second member 14 in the closed condition for movement. In the open position, the scan area or platen 22 appears and is accessible. In this accessible state, the image (eg, photographic or film negative) is located and scanned using a scanner or other scanning device (not shown) stored within the first member 12 and stored in internal memory. To be done. This captures the image in electronic / digital format to create a digital image. The memory means is a solid-state memory card, a floppy disk,
Any useful disk such as a compact disk, a hard drive, or a memory IC individually mounted on a circuit board may be used. They temporarily store digital data. It is also desirable to provide extra memory means to ensure that the data is not lost. The scanner can be line or area type, CMOS or CC
You can have any of the available imaging array devices, such as D. Instead, scan area 2
2 may be configured as an opening, such as a slot, on either the first or second member 12, 14 to receive the image to be scanned. The memory means may be arranged in a unit removable from the first or second member 12,14.

In operation, the user's image is scanned in the scanning area 22.
The scanning is started by the operation member 26 such as a start button. This causes the image to be scanned into memory to create a digital image. The image may be displayed on the display 16 after the scanning is completed.
After display, the functionality of kiosk 10 may be launched using one or more members 28 for editing digital images, such as zooming, rotating, cropping, and the like.
Software in memory may be employed for editing digital images. This editing of the digital image may be performed prior to sending the digital image for production of the image product.

The kiosk 10 also includes a kiosk 1 to allow transmission from the kiosk 10 to other devices.
0 and another device such as a printer, a computer, a storage device or a processor, has an output port or communication port 30 for communicating via a communication network. After sending, the digital image will be printed,
It is stored, used to make an image product, or transmitted further. A feature of the present invention is that since the kiosk 10 is mobile, it can be moved relative to other devices until the kiosk 10 can be connected for direct communication.

If kiosk 10 does not have an output port 30, kiosk 10 will have an output device for transferring the digital image stored in memory to a removable medium. An example of such an output device is a CD writer capable of writing on a CD.

For additional versatility, the kiosk 10
May be configured to accommodate modular replacement of the image input portion. In this form, the user
The appropriate module can be selected depending on the source of the image. For example, in addition to scanning the images described above, images in digital format can be transferred digitally from kiosk 10 to other devices. In addition, images and content that are already in digital format can be transferred to a USB via file transfer (eg from a CD player, memory card reader, slide scanner or computer).
It can be input through a prepared interconnection such as a port. As such, mobile kiosk 10 may have one or more input ports 32 for receiving images in digital form. In FIG. 1, the input port 3
2 is shown as an opening in the first member 12 for receiving a digital image from a removable medium such as a memory card, compact disc (CD) or other digital storage means.

The kiosk 10 may also have a payment mechanism 34 for receiving payments. One example of a well-known payment mechanism is a credit card reader, and those skilled in the art will be aware of other payment mechanisms already known.

If the kiosk 10 allows electronic input, other forms of content such as video clips, subject templates, recorded (ie prerecorded) audio, etc. are incorporated into the presentation. It is understood that this can be done. Accordingly, the input port 32 may also be configured to receive such other types of content.

A second form of mobile kiosk is generally shown in FIG. 2, in which an operating member 26 is located in the immediate vicinity of the scanning area 22. A third form of kiosk 10 is generally shown in FIG. 3, where:
A display 16 is located within the first member 12 rather than the second member 14. Fourth form kiosk 10
However, as a whole, it is shown in FIG. 4, where the kiosk 1
0 consists of a single member with a scanning area 22, which scanning area 22 is arranged in a single member. For example, FIG. 4 shows the scan area 22 as a slot for receiving an image. Other configurations for the kiosk 10 may be planned.

In operation, the user's image is placed in the scan area 22 in order to digitize the image. Scanning of the image is initiated using the manipulating member 26, which causes
The image is. The memory means is scanned to create a digital image. The digital image may be displayed on the display 16 after the scanning is completed.

If the image being scanned is a photographic film negative, the kiosk 10 may preferably have a modulated light source for illuminating the image. This light source functions as a display when the kiosk 10 is in the open position, and when the kiosk 10 is in the closed position,
It functions as a light source. At least 1 for scanning
Once, it is desirable to "pre-scan" the image. During this pre-scanning, the display emits unmodulated white light. After a pre-scanned low resolution image is obtained, the image requires more or less illumination, i.e. correction for exposure, film type, scene illumination and other changes that affect the film image. Therefore, a color change to the illumination source is required. With poor subject illumination, significant exposure changes occur within a single film image. An example of this situation occurs when an electronic flash is used to illuminate a person's face at close range. Electronic flashes typically overexpose the face and underexpose areas of the background that are further away from the flash. This type of condition appears as a very dark face and a very light background on the negative film. Since display 16 is employed as the light source, areas of display 16 may be modulated to reduce or increase intensity and / or color to compensate for over- and under-exposure conditions. This is accomplished by adapting the image reproduction capabilities of the display 16 to spatially match the shape and pattern of the transparent film image. When the dimensions and locations of the illuminated and film images are matched / superposed, the illuminated display image can be modulated to compensate for exposure changes in the film image.

If desired, prior to scanning, the image is parsed for the contents of, for example, the commercial logo or other copyrighted mark as described in US Pat. No. 6,0015,616 (Gasper). May be. The above patent is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. Other output means may be provided to provide additional functionality and utility, one of which is
It may be used to start and stop voice recording via a built-in or attached microphone. Expected uses of this feature include narration of the event being filmed, identification of individuals and objects in the image, scoring for performance, and step-by-step reconstruction of what was heard when the picture was taken. included.

Advertising or instructional information may be included in the memory. Such information will be displayed on the display 16 when the system is in the open position. For example, the instructional information may include how to operate the kiosk 10. Alternatively, if the kiosk 10 is used to capture digital images for scrapbooking, an advertisement for a new scrapbooking product may be displayed. In addition, the memory may have software that tracks information associated with the scanned digital image, such as the date the image was scanned or a name to refer to the image.

Kiosk 10 as configured in FIG.
Is a modular, self-contained unit. Due to its size, the kiosk 10 is suitable for being transported from the location where it is located. Also, because of its mobility, the user can collect / capture images at various designated locations and move the images to the location where the image product is produced. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment,
Allow kiosk 10 to connect or attach to a non-mobile imaging device such as a Kodak Picture Maker by Eastman Kodak in a retail store or retail or large photofinishing lab. Is composed of. FIG. 5 generally shows a kiosk 10 connected to a non-mobile image forming device 40. It will be appreciated that other communication means may be physically or electrically connected. For example, when connecting by wiring, a USB connection may be adopted. Other means include radio frequency (RF), infrared, or other wireless communication means.

Due to its modular size and mobility, the kiosk 10 can be rented for temporary use, such as stored, rented, shared, rented, or borrowed. It is also possible to Thus, the user of kiosk 10 may be the owner, owner, administrator, lender, and / or borrower of kiosk 10. For example, a user may respond to temporary use of the kiosk 10 by the owner or owner of the kiosk 10, such as arranging rentals from a retailer or a large store / grocer / drug store operator. . Also, because of its size and mobility, users
In use, the mobile kiosk 10 can be easily transported to a place other than a retail store. This allows the user to
For example, in an environment other than a retail store such as your home,
It allows the digitization of images without the expense of purchasing expensive equipment or learning the use of complex software packages.

After the image is digitized, the resulting digital image is stored and subsequently converted to the output format of the image product. Imaging products include, for example, hard copy prints, picture CDs, picture discs, mugs, tee shirts, storage on a server, or display on a computer screen or television monitor. Other imaging products include "slide show" based presentation products. The output medium is, for example, a CD for a computer, an electronic file for the web, or a DV for a television.
It may be D. The system is also US Pat. No. 55.
It enables "talking albums" as described in No. 74519 (Manico, etc.).

When the imaging product is a hard copy print, the print is made using known digital printing techniques such as ink jet, thermal sublimation or electrophotographic techniques. The image products are owned by the kiosk 10 users, owners,
It is provided by various sources, including owners, managers, lenders, and / or borrowers. Alternatively, a service offering or other third party may be employed as a service / business to provide the desired output format.

An example of a method of digitizing an image using the mobile kiosk 10 is shown. Kiosk Rental As mentioned above, the kiosk 10 can be rented, such as rented, shared, rented, or borrowed. For example, it may be rented from a rental service, as well as a camera rental from a photo store or a carpet cleaning system rental from a tool store. Such rentals typically charge a daily fee and require a security deposit. Referring to FIG. 6, when the kiosk 10 is rented, the lender (eg, user) receives the kiosk 10 from the rental service at the first designated location (step 100). The user is in a second designated location, such as the user's home away from the first designated location (step 10
The kiosk 10 is conveyed to 4) (step 102).
At the second designated location, the user obtains the image to be digitized (step 106). While using the kiosk 10 at the second designated location, the user scans the image to create a digital image. Here, the digital image is stored in a memory within the kiosk 10 (step 1
08). The user also generates an order request for the digital image (step 110). The order request may be stored in the memory of kiosk 10 or it may be non-electronic, such as written. The user
The kiosk 10 is then returned to the rental service (at the first designated location) for fulfillment of the order request (step 112), thereby creating an image product (step 114).

In the situation where the rental service has the appropriate photo processing equipment to fulfill the order request (eg drugstore or large lab), the rental service fulfills the user's order. Rental service,
In a situation where the order request cannot be fulfilled at the first designated location, the rental service may carry the kiosk 10 to another designated location or fulfill the digital image to the fulfilling party via a communication network. To send. Once the order request is fulfilled, the resulting image product will be provided to the user by delivery or the user will be prompted to return to the first designated location to receive the image product.

Service Provider Uses In some situations, the user of kiosk 10 may not have the time or be interested in personally using the kiosk. Under such circumstances, the service provider may provide services for such users. That is, a person (for example, a service provider) provides and uses the kiosk 10 as a service to the user. The service provider may or may not be the owner / administrator of kiosk 10. For example, the service provider
The kiosk 10 may be rented / borrowed from the rental service as described above to provide the service to the user.

For purposes of example only, service provider usage is defined herein in more detail with respect to scrapbooking supporters. It is understood that the service provider may be an individual, such as a business operator or business sales agent, such as a rental service or a salesperson at a photo shop.

As mentioned above, the scrapbook business has continued to grow in the last few years. In some situations, the creation of a scrapbook is a social event where scrapbook creators come together and share ideas (ie, scrapbook
It is called an event). For example, an inexperienced scrapbook creator often looks around for inspiration when constructing a new page layout, while an experienced scrapbook creator Share scrapbook page layouts for creative inspiration and because they are a source of pride for creators.

A scrapbooking supporter recommends creative chips, scissors for cutting out various patterns, preprinted and patterned paper,
He often attends scrapbook events to sell products that include iridescent paper, special pens, and special adhesives. As an additional service to attendees of the scrapbook event, the scrapbooking supporter acts as a service provider and provides the kiosk 10 at the scrapbook event. This allows scrapbook creators to arrange to have scanned pictures (images) for subsequent production of image products such as prints.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method according to the present invention, in which the service provider asks for the kiosk 10.
To provide a service to the user.

The service provider uses the kiosk 10 as the first
From the designated place in No. 2 to the second designated place (Step 2
00, 202, 204). The first designated location is, for example,
It may be the home or car of the service provider, a rental service, or a place where the kiosk 10 is stored when not in use. The second designated location may be other than the designated location, such as the user's home or church hall or party house, or a scrapbook.
It may be the location of the event. Further, the second designated location may be a retail store, such as a hobby or craft store that provides in-store clinics for its customers.

The service provider receives the image to be digitized from the user at the second designated place (step 206). The service provider is the second
At the designated location, the kiosk is used to scan the image to create a digital image (step 208). An order request associated with the digital image is received from the user (step 210). The order request may be stored in the memory of kiosk 10 or may be non-electronic, such as written. Alternatively, a recorder or other means may be used to audibly retrieve the order request. The service provider delivers the image to the fulfillment side by delivering the kiosk 10 to the fulfillment side to fulfill the order request (steps 212 and 214). Even if the performer is placed in the first designated place,
Alternatively, it may be arranged in a third designated place different from the first and second designated places.

Once the order request is fulfilled, the image product is provided to the user (step 216), for example using known delivery methods. An electronic message may be sent to the user to inform the completion of the image product and coordinate delivery and receipt of the image product. If the imaging product is in electronic form, for example a digital file of an image ordered by the user, then the electronic message is sent to the user, including the digital image.

The service provider sends the kiosk 10 to the execution side.
The digital image can be provided to the fulfillment side for fulfillment of the order request by a method other than carrying. For example, if the kiosk 10 has an output port 30, then digital images may be sent to the fulfillment side via the communication network. Alternatively, if the kiosk 10 has an output device, the digital image can be transferred to a removable medium that can be carried to the performer.

It will be appreciated that the image provided by the user to the service provider may be in digital form, in which case the kiosk 10 will receive the image for storage for later production of the image product. The input port 32 is adopted. Thereby, the user will provide the digitized image to the service provider at a predetermined designated place. Further, the service provider uses the kiosk 10 to copy the digitized image at the predetermined designated place. Further, the service provider will provide the digitized image to the performance service placed at the performance place apart from the predetermined designated place.

Payment Payment for the image product is received from the user. This is accomplished in several ways. For example, the service provider may accept cash, credit cards or checks. If the payment is by credit card, the step of receiving payment from the user may be accomplished by using the payment mechanism 34 to enter credit card information into the kiosk 10. If the kiosk 10 has a scan area 22, the step of receiving payment from the user may be accomplished by using the scan area 22 to scan the user's check. Image recognition software may optionally be employed to obtain the name / address information from the user's check.

Mounting on a Non-Mobile Kiosk As previously mentioned, and as shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the kiosk 10 is installed in a retail store or retail or large photofinishing lab, for example. It is configured to be connected to or attached to a stationary non-mobile imaging device 40, such as the Kodak Picture Maker by Eastman Kodak Company. The configuration may be similar to a docking station for mobile computers, for example. Thus, if the service provider carries the kiosk 10 with the user's digital image, the performer in step 214 may be the non-mobile imaging device 40.
After that, the service provider performs steps 200 to 208.
(Ie, transporting the kiosk 10 from the first designated location to the second designated location, receiving the image from the user at the second designated location, and scanning the image to create a digital image) , The service provider transports the kiosk 10 to a third designated place apart from the first and second designated places where the non-mobile image forming device 40 is arranged. At this third designated location, the service provider sends the digital image from the kiosk 10 to the non-mobile image forming device 40 to produce the image product.

It will be appreciated that the digital image may be transmitted at the third designated location by electrically connecting the kiosk 10 to the non-mobile imaging device 40. Alternatively, the digital image may be transmitted by other known means such as electromechanical engagement or wireless communication.

Overtime Use of the Non-Mobile Kiosk If the non-mobile imaging device 40 is located in a busy retail store, the service provider may not be available during non-business hours, such as irregular business hours. Mobile image forming device 4
It is also conceivable to arrange with the retail store operator to use zero. According to this, since the non-mobile image forming device 40 is not in use, the service provider can quickly process the order request. In addition, retailers will increase the use of imaging product production equipment. Thus, an image product may be made at a retail store when the retail store is not open for retail operations. This off-hours use can be applied to large labs, central processing labs, or any other location that fulfills order requests for other imaging products.

Sponsors If the service provider is a scrapbook creator, the scrapbook creator may be affiliated with a company that sells scrapbook products. In this case, the scrapbook creation supporter receives credit or commission for the sale of each product. Instead, scrapbookers are rewarded with credit to purchase scrapbooking products from the companies that sell them, that is, a given percentage of the selling price of the sold product. Can also be considered. Scrapbooking supporters may wish to negotiate, contract, or collaborate with the owner / manager of the kiosk 10 to provide additional services to the user using the kiosk 10. . Under such arrangements, the owner / manager of the kiosk 10 will be a sponsor for the scrapbooking supporters. The sponsor may be, for example, a company, a photofinisher, or a company related to scrapbooking products.
Alternatively, it may be a company related to finishing image products. Additionally, sponsors may have businesses that provide imaging services to their customers, such as drug stores, photofinishing stores and the like.

The arrangement between the scrapbooking supporter and the sponsor may be similar to that for a scrapmaking product. That is, a scrapbooking supporter may receive credit from the sponsor for some of the fees associated with making an image product by agreeing to use the kiosk 10 at a scrapbooking event.

FIG. 8 shows a method for producing an image product from an image, in which at least part of the fee for producing the image product is paid by the sponsor to the service provider. In step 300, the service provider transports the image forming system from the first designated place to a predetermined designated place. The service provider receives the image from the user at the predetermined designated location (step 30).
2). The service provider uses the kiosk 10 to create a digital image of the image received from the user at the predetermined designated location (step 304). Thereafter, the digital image is provided by the service provider to the producer of the image product for the production of the image product. In return for consenting to use the kiosk 10 as a service to the user, the service provider receives credit from the sponsor for some of the fees associated with making the image product (step 308).

The producer of the image product may or may not be the sponsor. In addition, the image product may be manufactured at a second designated location remote from the designated location.

In step 304, the service provider creates a digital image by scanning the image with the kiosk 10 if the image is a visual image. If the image received from the user is in digital format, the service provider creates the digital image by copying the image using kiosk 10.

Between the sponsor and the service provider,
Various business arrangements can be made. For example, if the service provider is a scrapbook creator,
Also, if the sponsor is a scrapbook merchandiser, the sponsor can arrange for a scrapbooking supporter to “aim” to own the kiosk 10. That is, after a predetermined period of time or a predetermined sales level, the scrapbook creation supporter becomes the owner of the kiosk 10, thereby promoting sales by the scrapbook creation supporter.

The computer program product is, for example,
Magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks (floppy disks) or magnetic tapes, optical storage media such as optical disks, optical tapes or machine-readable bar codes, random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (RO)
M) such as a solid-state electronic storage device, or any other physical device employed to store a computer program having instructions for controlling one or more computers to implement the method of the present invention. Can have one or more storage media consisting of a physical device or media.

[0061]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, because of the size and mobility of the kiosk, the user can easily transport the mobile kiosk to a place other than the retail store when using it. it can. This allows the user to
For example, in an environment other than a retail store such as your home,
It allows the digitization of images without the expense of purchasing expensive equipment or learning the use of complex software packages.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally showing a mobile kiosk according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view generally showing a mobile kiosk according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view generally showing a mobile kiosk according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view generally showing a mobile kiosk according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a mobile kiosk of the present invention connecting with a non-mobile imaging device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a first method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a second method of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a third method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Kiosk 12 ... First member 14 ... Second member 15 ... Handle 16 ... Display 18 ... Latch 20 ... Fixing member 22 ... Scanning area 26 ... Operation member 28 ... Member 30 ... Output port 32 ... Input port 34 ... Payment mechanism 40. Non-movable image forming device

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor John Randall Fred Round             United States 14626 Lochi, New York             Esther, Ridgemont Drive 270 (72) Inventor Loretta E. Allen             United States 14468 Hill, New York             Ton, Hafa Road 77th (72) Inventor David A Pod Sedley             14450 New York, USA             Aport, Chardonnay Drive No. 38 F-term (reference) 5C062 AA01 AB03 AB12 AB17 AB42                       BA01

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A method for digitizing an image, wherein a service provider uses a mobile image forming system as a first method.
From the designated place to the second designated place, the service provider receives the image to be digitized from the user at the second designated place, and the service provider places the second designated place. And scanning the image to create a digital image using the mobile imaging system, the service provider receiving an order request related to the digital image from the user, and the service provider The method of digitizing an image according to claim 1, further comprising: providing the digital image to a fulfillment side to fulfill the order request. 2. A method of digitizing an image provided by a user, wherein at least a portion of the fee for creating the digitized image is paid to the service provider by the performer. Introduces a mobile image forming system
The service provider scans the image using the mobile imaging system to create a digitized image, the service provider scanning the image to the first location. The digitized image is transmitted to the performing side at the second designated place distant from the designated place, and the performing side uses the mobile image forming system,
A method for digitizing an image provided by a user, comprising the step of providing credit to the service provider for some of the fees associated with the creation of the digitized image. 3. A method for producing an image product from an image, wherein a mobile image forming system is conveyed from a first designated place to a second designated place, and an image is received from a user at the second designated place. Using the mobile imaging system at the second designated location to scan the image to receive and create a digital image at a third designated location remote from the second designated location. The digital image is transmitted from the mobile image forming system to the image producing device placed in the third designated place, and the digital image is transmitted to the image forming device placed in the third designated place. Then, a method of manufacturing an image product, comprising the step of manufacturing an image product.